Watters O. Martin Jr., left, welcomed Kealoha Kalama and kumu hula Kawaikapuokalani Hewett to the Hawaiian Civic Club of Honolulu's 2008 Holoku Ball, held March 1 in the Monarch Room of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. This year's ball commemorated the 90th anniversary of the organization's founding by Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole in 1918; proceeds from the annual event fund college scholarships for native Hawaiians. Hewett, a civic-club scholarship recipient in the 1970s, said that without the funds he would not have been able to go to college.

David Kawananakoa escorted his late father's cousin, Abigail Kinoiki Kekaulike Kawananakoa, who was being honored by the civic club for her generous support of Hawaiian cultural organizations. The theme of the evening, "Ua Hana 'Ia a Pono a Pololei" ("All Has Been Done Well, Correctly"), paid tribute to her ancestors "and the lasting legacy of this royal family."

Nina Keali'iwahamana, third from left, chatted with Puamana -- Aima McManus, left, Iwalani Kahalewai and Mihana Souza -- during the cocktail hour. The trio's acoustic Hawaiian music provided the perfect soundtrack for cocktails and quiet conversation outside the Monarch Room as the sun was setting.

Gordon Rapozo, seated left, enjoyed cocktails with Sunbeam Beamer, seated, Mahi Beamer, standing left, Cotieng Beamer and her husband, "Uncle Keola" Beamer. Mahi and Sunbeam presented a musical tribute to "he mamo alii" ("a royal descendant"), Abigail Kawananakoa, during the formal program after dinner. Uncle Keola is legally blind, and so the crowd was thrilled when he stood up and danced a hula to "Palisa."

Civic club director Manu Boyd shared a well-earned break with HCCH President Leatrice Kauahi, left, and past President Anita Naone. Boyd observed traditional Hawaiian protocol by performing two lengthy chants honoring Abigail Kawananakoa; the second, "He Manu Ha'i Kupuna no Hainalau," documented her royal genealogy. He also sang, played ukulele and danced hula with his group, Ho'okena.